Peter Crouch has made his prediction as Manchester United take on his former club Liverpool on Sunday.
A beleaguered Manchester United go into the game against their fierce rivals with none of the optimism they gained after defeating them in the FA Cup before the international break.
Since that dramatic victory, Erik ten Hag’s side has lost all momentum by throwing away victories in the dying minutes of the last two games.
United were still fortunate to escape Brentford with a point but will regret the terrible defending that cost them against Chelsea.
An Alejandro Garnacho brace and a Bruno Fernandes header had seen them fight back from two goals down to take the lead at Stamford Bridge.
Yet, despite still being ahead in the 99th minute, two late Cole Palmer goals turned the game on its head once more.
Now United will have to bounce back quickly as they welcome Liverpool to Old Trafford.
Peter Crouch makes his Man United vs Liverpool prediction
Former Liverpool striker Peter Crouch has made his prediction and expects it to be a closer game than many expect.
He said on That Peter Crouch podcast: “This is Manchester United vs Liverpool. Another cracker.
“For me it’s the biggest fixture in English football, two of the best sides historically, playing against each other.
“Liverpool going into the game big favourites. United struggling in sixth, Liverpool battling in a three-horse race with City and Arsenal.
“I think it will be slightly tighter [than 3-1] I think United will probably be buoyed after the FA Cup win, they were fantastic in that.
“Liverpool outplayed them but they hung in there and got the result. I’ve gone for 2-1 Liverpool.”
Extra motivation for United vs Liverpool
If United can find some belief from anywhere after such a demoralising defeat on Thursday, it’s in that they have recently got one over on Liverpool.
They showed great fighting spirit to twice fight back and defeat the Merseyside outfit and that should give them a sliver of hope of being able to do it again.
A Premier League encounter is a very different beast, of course, with Jurgen Klopp’s side fighting for the title.
A defeat could be catastrophic to their chances so Klopp won’t be taking any of his star players off early this time.
If United needed any, the title race has given them some extra motivation.
Liverpool will equal United’s total of 20 league titles if they claim top spot this season and United have a big chance to help prevent it from happening.
Will they take it?